News

Dublin Metropolitian Regatta was held on Blessington Lakes on 23rd May 2015. After a week of gusting winds and rain showers the Metro Committee were surely thankful when they rose on the morning of the Regatta. From the first race at 8am the sun shone brightly and the windsock at the finish line barely dared to flicker all day.

The Garda Squad arrived at the lake with intentions of continuing their winning streak and they certainly did not disappoint. Before lunch, the Garda Women had already secured victory in the Women’s Quad. The crew of Laura Gannon, Ciara Ward, Liza Galvin, Mary Moore were coxed by Siobhán Frisby. Notably it was the first medal for Ciara Ward who is one of the new graduates from the Garda College. Ciara has recently been stationed at Blanchardstown Garda Station and has a bright and promising future ahead of her at the club.

The next win for the Garda Club was a notable victory for Ronan Allen in the Men’s Club 1 single scull. Ronan has been chomping at the bit for a medal in his recent races and his perseverance finally paid off with his first win in a single scull on a 6 lane course. With youth on his side, there is no doubt that Ronan will go on to achieve more success in the coming years on the water. A short time later, the pressure was shifted to Club Captain Damien Kelly not to let the side down in the Men’s Intermediate Single. Thankfully he managed to keep the winning streak going, finishing a short distance ahead of Declan O Connor of St Michaels to claim victory.

After a short break, the scullers again took to the water in different combinations. Sheila Kenny claimed her first medal in the Women’s Club single scull. In securing this win, this has brought her back level with her fellow oarswoman Jackie Ryan in their healthy rivalry to be the Club’s top female sculler for the season. Sheila and Jackie joined forces in the Women’s Club Double and went on to claim victory. Likewise, Damien and Ronan also joined forces in the Men’s Double to secure victory in the Club 1 Double.

Overall it was a great day for the club, in no small part helped along by all the hard work put in by Coach Willie Ryan in the past few months. It must also be said that it was great to see so many past and present club members coming out to Blessington to support the Club. Your presence at these events does not go unnoticed.

Credit should also be given to the Metro committee who put together a thoroughly enjoyable Regatta. From parking, slipping, stake boats, umpiring and race times, the whole day ran very smoothly. Great help was provided on the day by Diarmuid O Donovan, Gerry Conway, David Gilmore, Tony Morrissey and Christy O Brien.

London Metropolitian Regatta on the Olympic Course at Dorney Lake takes place this weekend, 30th and 31st of May. The Garda Boat Club are delighted to be represented at this event by Club Captain Damien Kelly and Ronan Allen.